Title

Presenter Information

Document Type

Oral Presentation

Location

SURC 135

Start Date

17-5-2012

End Date

17-5-2012

Abstract

Item Response Theory (IRT) has traditionally evolved in the context of psychometrics and has been invaluable in the advancement of testing and measurement fields across disciplines. Because of its ability to accurately estimate abilities and model their interaction with characteristics of individual items on tests, it has been one of the most studied and progressive frameworks in these fields, offering the foundation for many variations to grow. With the advancement of these sophisticated assessment techniques, there has been a relative lack of their application outside of the testing arena. The purpose of the paper off which this presentation is based is two fold. The first is to offer a straightforward introduction to the basics of IRT models for those who are unfamiliar with their usage as well as to mention specific advances in IRT modeling which highlights its versatility to many different measuring situations. The second purpose of the paper is to present a theoretical discussion of using an IRT framework in order to evaluate the structure of psychotherapy in order to offer a more efficient means of facilitating the therapeutic process of change and healing. This is discussed in terms of the selection and assessment of therapeutic tasks depending on how people with similar abilities (here it is the Global Assessment of Functioning score) respond to a task. Because IRT models estimate characteristics of individuals and how they interact with stimuli, they are particularly attractive for assessing how individuals with certain characteristics would respond to a given psychotherapeutic regimen.

Faculty Mentor(s)

Additional Mentoring Department

Psychology

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May 17th, 11:40 AMMay 17th, 12:00 PM

Item Response Theory in Psychotherapy Assessment

SURC 135

Item Response Theory (IRT) has traditionally evolved in the context of psychometrics and has been invaluable in the advancement of testing and measurement fields across disciplines. Because of its ability to accurately estimate abilities and model their interaction with characteristics of individual items on tests, it has been one of the most studied and progressive frameworks in these fields, offering the foundation for many variations to grow. With the advancement of these sophisticated assessment techniques, there has been a relative lack of their application outside of the testing arena. The purpose of the paper off which this presentation is based is two fold. The first is to offer a straightforward introduction to the basics of IRT models for those who are unfamiliar with their usage as well as to mention specific advances in IRT modeling which highlights its versatility to many different measuring situations. The second purpose of the paper is to present a theoretical discussion of using an IRT framework in order to evaluate the structure of psychotherapy in order to offer a more efficient means of facilitating the therapeutic process of change and healing. This is discussed in terms of the selection and assessment of therapeutic tasks depending on how people with similar abilities (here it is the Global Assessment of Functioning score) respond to a task. Because IRT models estimate characteristics of individuals and how they interact with stimuli, they are particularly attractive for assessing how individuals with certain characteristics would respond to a given psychotherapeutic regimen.